Mernda couldn’t have scripted a better return to the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield on Saturday.
After claiming last season’s Mash Shield, the Demons earned promotion back into the second grade.
They kicked off their season on Saturday against Greensborough with a strong performance with the bat, followed by a demolition job with the ball.
Demons president Rob Carrigan said the group was really excited for the challenge this season.
“It was the perfect start,” he said. “We didn’t expect to win by that margin.
“The Money Shield is so competitive. Greensborough finished in ninth last season but were only a game out of finals.
“We knew every game would be tough. Whether we had an excellent day or whether they had an off day, not quite sure but we’re happy.”
The Demons won the toss and decided to bat.
Most of their top and middle order made starts as they made 5-196 from their 40 overs.
Max Russell top scored with 56 not out, while Michael Edwards made 36 not out off just 18 balls.
Corrigan said all their batters played a role with new assistant coach Gareth Sharp doing the work early before Edwards and Russell stepped up.
The Demons bowlers then backed them up as they bowled Greensborough out for just 60.
Edwards took 4-2 off just 4.4 overs to be the pick of the bowlers.
“Mick had a day out,” Corrigan said. “Taking 4-2 will not happen every week.
“He was quick and had the wind at his back, making him hard to get away.”
The start for Edwards comes off the back of a breakout season last season.
Corrigan said they were hoping he would continue to go from strength to strength this season.
With the side going up a grade, the Demons have looked to strengthen its batting.
Corrigan said it was one area that they needed to improve on.
“Gareth and Arshdeep Singh have strengthened our top order,” he said.
“We relied heavily on our bowling and fielding to restrict sides. We didn’t have a standout batter.
“We wanted to strengthen that up and hopefully it holds us in good stead this year.”
Corrigan said the side was aiming to make finals this season, but their first focus was to ensure it stayed in the Money Shield.
Clubs recently voted on making a fourth shield competition next season, with eight teams to be in each of the four competitions.
It means only the top six sides in the Money Shield this season will be assured a spot.
“If you don’t finish in the top six, you get relegated,” he said. “It’s very competitive to get into the top six.
“We want to stay up and go from there.”
In other results, Lalor Stars had a big win against Plenty, while Bundoora Park lost to Lower Plenty.
